columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol teamed up with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), American Trucking Associations (ATA), and the Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) today to begin Highway Watch, a federally funded program to improve both highway safety and homeland security.

Highway Watch is a national effort that enables truck drivers to alert law enforcement officials to highway safety and security concerns.

Troopers, instructed by the ATA, conducted the first Ohio Highway Watch training for commercial truck drivers this morning at the Patrol Academy. Highway Watch drivers are trained to spot and report poor road conditions, unsafe drivers, medical emergencies, stranded motorists, and suspicious incidents.

"Ohio's commercial truck drivers are assisting in the homeland security effort by joining the Ohio Highway Watch program," Ohio Governor Bob Taft said.  "Ohio truck drivers will increase the number of eyes and ears on Ohio's roadways."

"The effectiveness of police and emergency services increases the sooner they are notified of a roadway hazard,"  Lt. Gov. Maureen O'Connor said.  "Federally funded Highway Watch radio commercials will air this summer, notifying drivers how they can help."  In addition to her role as director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Lt. Gov. O'Connor spearheads Ohio's homeland security efforts as the chair of the State of Ohio Security Task Force.

"America's highways are where truck driver's report for work each day," FMCSA Administrator Joseph Clapp said.  "Highway Watch allows these highly trained professional drivers to help keep their workplace safe."

"Highway watch training will continue throughout the state this summer," Patrol Superintendent Kenneth L. Morckel said.  "But, you don't have to have Highway Watch training to help.  If you see a reckless driver, suspicious activity, or even a stranded motorist, call the Patrol at 1-877-7-PATROL, or cellular *DUI."

Administered by the ATA and supported by a grant from the FMCSA, Highway Watch recruits and trains experienced truck drivers to help reduce response times to roadside emergencies.

"The ATA is pleased to have Ohio join our Highway Watch Program," ATA President and CEO Bill Canary said. "Our nation’s highways will be safer thanks to help from Ohio truck drivers."

"Ohio's professional commercial truck drivers are pleased to be doing their part to make Ohio's highways safe and homeland secure," OTA President Larry Davis said.

Highway Watch is currently operating in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, and Virginia.

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